June 30, 2025

Motivational Posters for Monsters: Special Hammer Frankenstein Edition

Back in February of 2022, Films From Beyond introduced its first line of motivational posters for monsters, named “Shockcessories” after the Successories line of sappy inspirational wall art that used to be popular in offices and doctor’s waiting rooms back in the day (and which are still around, believe it or not).

To many, they were one step above the cute kitten posters that urged you to “Hang in there!,” but somehow, somewhere, someone got something out of them, or they wouldn’t have been so ubiquitous at their peak.

Poster image - Hang in there, baby by Victor Baldwin, 1971

The first Shockcessories line highlighted the Universal monsters. This go round, the inspiration comes from Hammer Films’ Frankenstein series. Baron Frankenstein as portrayed by Peter Cushing (and Ralph Bates) was perhaps the ultimate arrogant, cold-blooded elitist who let nothing and noone stand in the way of his illicit experiments. But I believe that underneath that contemptuous exterior was an insecure little boy who never got the encouragement he needed growing up. These messages of hope and positivity are for all mad scientists with such issues.

Hang in There! Okay, so some of the body parts you used for your creature were past their expiration date, but you did it, you created life! Sure, the creature is ghastly and a bit grumpy, but hang in there, the best is yet to come!
Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

No Small Jobs. You were at the top of your class at one of Europe's finest medical schools, but you've never met a genius like Baron Frankenstein. There's no shame in cranking that generator -- there are no small jobs in mad science!
Robert Urquhart in The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)

Keeping an Open Mind. Your close-minded colleagues laughed at you, then they banished you when you said you could create life from remnants of the dead. They said it couldn't be done, but you kept an open mind, and now you're opening up minds to transplant them. Well done!
Simon Ward, Freddie Jones and Peter Cushing in Frankenstein Must be Destroyed (1969)

"If you can keep your head... when all others are losing theirs..." You took Kipling's advice with a vengeance and kept your head while collecting other peoples for your experiments. Go on, order more jars for all those heads -- your collection is only going to keep growing!
Ralph Bates in The Horror of Frankenstein (1970)

Body Positivity. You're a genius, but you've been stuck in a hellhole of an asylum, getting sicker with each passing day. Thanks to Baron Frankenstein, your superior brain has a brand new body. Okay, so you can't look in a mirror without cracking it, but at least now you have some brawn to go with your brains!
David Prowse as the monster in Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974)
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6 comments:

  1. John L. HarmonJuly 2, 2025 at 9:48 AM

    Hilarious motivational posters, Brian! They would be perfect for underground Laboratories and certain doctors offices!

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    1. Brian SchuckJuly 3, 2025 at 7:08 PM

      Thanks so much John! I think "underground" is the key word here... 😉

      Delete
  2. Mike's Movie RoomJuly 2, 2025 at 2:43 PM

    Brian, you should consider manufacturing and marketing these inspiring designs! People who have to pay visits to their doctors could use some cheering up!

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    1. Brian SchuckJuly 3, 2025 at 9:21 PM

      Mike, I appreciate the vote of confidence! Yes, they're certified suitable for all doctor's offices with the possible exception of neurosurgeons. 😱

      Delete
  3. grandoldmoviesJuly 3, 2025 at 12:03 PM

    I'd love to hang these in some of the offices I've worked in!

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    Replies
    1. Brian SchuckJuly 4, 2025 at 7:36 AM

      I may just have to seek out venture capital backing! 💰

      Delete

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